Flux growth of (Pb,La)(Zr, Sn,Ti)O3 single crystals and their characterization

Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate stannate (PLZST) single crystals have been successfully grown by a flux method using KF as flux. Well-developed single crystals with sizes of 2.0 mm×2.0 mm×1.5 mm were obtained for the first time. The crystal morphology was studied and related to a layer growth mechanism controlled by two-dimensional growth. Crystal structure measured by X-ray diffraction technique was single perovskite. The chemical composition of as-grown crystal was analyzed by an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The maximum dielectric constant was determined to be 2400. The Curie temperature was found to be about 170 °C, similar to the polycrystalline data.